Geelong has been known for years as Sleepy Hollow because it was thought that nothing really happens in Geelong. But that is changing, now there is heaps of awesome stuff to see in Geelong. We’ll show you the Top Things to do in Geelong.
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The List of Top Things To Do in Geelong
Central Geelong
Outer Geelong
Geelong Region
Events
Geelong Bollard Trail Walk
Bollards have become an iconic symbol of the Geelong Waterfront. And the Geelong Bollard Trail Walk is such a fun activity for kids and grown-ups alike.
There are 48 sites containing a total of over 100 Bollards. The walk starts from Limeburners Point and finishes at Rippleside Park, and will take you about 2 hours each way. Allow more time for the 100+ photos you will want to take 🙂
Check out the Geelong Bollard Trail Walk Website for a guide map and list of each of the 48 characters.
Eastern Beach
Eastern Beach is probably the most famous thing to do in Geelong. It is right next to the city center, so you can’t really visit Geelong without visiting Eastern Beach. But Eastern Beach is not just a beach, in fact, it is a whole precinct. Here are some of the many things you can do at Eastern Beach:
- Enjoy a BBQ on the free Electric Barbecues
- Grab a cuppa at the historic waterfront Pavillion Cafe
- Swim in the historic pool/fountain – Eastern Beach Children’s Pool
- Swim in the caged ocean swimming pool (Eastern Beach Promenade)
- Dive from the diving tower or diving boards into the ocean pool
- Play in the waterfront children’s playground
- Walk around the Eastern Beach Promenade (walkway above the water)
- Ride the Thomas the Tank Engine Train (a.k.a. Eastern Beach Train Tour)
- Stroll along the lovely sandy beach
- Play beach volleyball on the permanent volleyball nets
- Grab an ice cream or gelato from the Gelato vans
- Get fit at the Eastern Beach Outdoor Gym
- Enjoy the Bollard Trail Walk
- Ride on the Giant Sky Wheel (seasonal)
- Check out Eastern Beach Mineral Spring
Check out our full blog post on Eastern Beach HERE.
Eastern Beach Mineral Springs
The Eastern Beach Mineral Springs is about 300m beyond the Eastern Beach Playground. Here you can get bubbly, tasty Mineral Water from a 35m deep mineral spring. You can also access them from Hearne Parade.
The mineral springs have been around since around 1895 and the mineral water is well known for its curative properties – it is thought to improve rheumatism, indigestion, and liver problems!
Check out our full blog post on Eastern Beach Mineral Springs HERE.
Geelong Botanical Gardens
Back in 1851 the Government was smart enough to set aside 200 acres of prime bay frontage land for the Geelong Botanic Gardens and Eastern Park. Nowadays the Botanic Gardens have been transformed into a relaxing garden setting and an importnt conseration area.
Located on Podbury Drive Geelong, Geelong Botanic Gardens are open 365 days a year from 8am to 5pm (7pm during daylight savings), and is free entry.
Some of the amazing attractions of the Botanic Gardens include:
- Free group walking tours
- Outdoor music concerts on the lawns
- Organised events for kids
- Dog Friendly
- Wheelchair Friendly
- Free Parking
- Teahouse in the gardens
Check out the Geelong Botanic Gardens Website for a map of the gardens, and information on upcoming events.
Buckley’s Falls
Buckley’s Falls are just 5km from the City Centre on the Barwon River. There are a couple of great viewing platforms and good access to 20km of walking trails on the Barwon River Trail.
Check out our full blog post on Buckley’s Falls HERE.
Wandana Heights Lookout
If you want to get a bird’s eye view of Geelong, check out the Wandana Heights Lookout. The lookout itself is about 8km from Geelong City Centre in a leafy suburb called Wandana Heights.
At Wandana Heights Lookout you can climb the stairs to the lookout, then have a picnic in Drewan Park which joins the Lookout car park. Drewan Park has free electric barbecues, playground equipment, and some terrific views of Geelong.
Check out our full blog post on Wandana Heights Lookout HERE
Serendip Sanctuary – Lara
Serendip Sanctuary is a wildlife reserve where you can see Kangaroos, Wallabies, Emu’s and a huge variety of birdlife. There is also loads of wetlands and walking trails. One of the best features is the free barbecues, together with toilets and drinking water fountain.
Serendip Sanctuary is located at 100 Windamere Road, Lara. It’s about a 20km drive from Geelong City Centre. Alternatively, you could catch the train to Lara Station, and from there it’s about a 50 minute walk (or catch an Uber/Taxi).
Unfortunately when we visited in 2022 most of the wildlife had been removed by the Goverment authorities. We are unsure if they will return anytime soon. We say it is worth a visit to take in the wetlands and abundant natural birdlife.
Check out our full Blog Post on Serendip Sancturay Here.
Geelong Revival Motor Festival
Probably the most loved event on the Geelong Calendar, this is a festival of epic car shows and epic quarter-mile racing along the iconic Geelong waterfront.
The 2022 event was held from 25th to 27th November, however, you should consult the official website to check future dates. Mark your calendar, this is not to be missed!
Check out our full blog post on Geelong Revival Motoring Festival HERE
Plenty of Geelong Attractions
As you can see there are loads of Geelong Attractions to keep you busy when visiting Geelong. And the list of Geelong Attractions is growing every year. Visit Geelong today, check out our Geelong Travel Guide, and enjoy the Top Things to Do in Geelong 🙂
